Lectures in Topological Quantum Field Theory
arXiv:hep-th/9709192
Abstract
In these lectures we present a general introduction to topological quantum field theories. These theories are discussed in the framework of the Mathai-Quillen formalism and in the context of twisted N=2 supersymmetric theories. We discuss in detail the recent developments in Donaldson-Witten theory obtained from the application of results based on duality for N=2 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories. This involves a description of the computation of Donaldson invariants in terms of Seiberg-Witten invariants. Generalizations of Donaldson-Witten theory are reviewed, and the structure of the vacuum expectation values of their observables is analyzed in the context of duality for the simplest case.
arXiv comment62 pages, latex, epsf, 5 figures, Lectures given by J.M.F.L. at the CERN-La Plata-Santiago de Compostela Workshop on Trends in Theoretical Physics held at La Plata in May 1997